Leaving Glasgow behind we drove on towards Islay (pronounced eye-la) passing Loch Lomond, Loch Long and Loch Fyne on the way to the ferry terminal. A trip that should have taken 2.5 hours became almost 3.5 as we stopped numerous times to enjoy the peaceful lochs which were so smooth to be almost mirror-like.
Scottish thistles on the banks of Loch Lomand
Loch Lomond
Loch Long
Lock Fyne
Once aboard the ferry we settled in, had lunch and enjoyed the 2 hour trip across to Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay. From there it was only a few kms to our accommodation where we checked in and then set off exploring a good part of this whisky sodden isle - obviously this included a stop at a distillery. Mags is still trying to get the taste off her lips!
A couple of crazy stone collectors on a beach.
Port Nahaven, a gorgeous little seaside village on Islay
A bit of the countryside just away from the coast
green? OK they can do that too.
Port Charlotte
Leaving Islay we drove to Port Ellen to catch our ferry, passing through what seems to be the biggest town on the island, Bowmore, where the distillery was the largest building. At the top of the main street stood a round church which, so we were told, was built that way so that the Devil couldn't hide in the corners. We wandered about for a while and managed to upset a local who assumed we were English and therefore against the YES vote in the coming referendum for Scottish independence! We have seen many placards urging a Yes or No (Thanks) vote, but it seems here in the western areas, the Yes is running strongest. Papers and TV are full of the impending decision with the Yes vote apparently just edging ahead. We may be here to witness the birth of a new nation next week.
At the top of the main street stood a round church, built that way, so we were told, so the Devil couldn't hide in the corners.
View back down to the harbour from the church
A couple of wild highland lassies trying to catch my attention
Reflected clouds on the oh so still waters at Bowmore
Port Ellen where we farewelled Islay
Part of quaint Port Ellen
Flowering heather almost covers many hillsides
No prizes for guessing how this household will vote in the coming Independence Referendum.
Once aboard the ferry we settled in, had lunch and enjoyed the 2 hour trip across to Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay. From there it was only a few kms to our accommodation where we checked in and then set off exploring a good part of this whisky sodden isle - obviously this included a stop at a distillery. Mags is still trying to get the taste off her lips!
Leaving Islay we drove to Port Ellen to catch our ferry, passing through what seems to be the biggest town on the island, Bowmore, where the distillery was the largest building. At the top of the main street stood a round church which, so we were told, was built that way so that the Devil couldn't hide in the corners. We wandered about for a while and managed to upset a local who assumed we were English and therefore against the YES vote in the coming referendum for Scottish independence! We have seen many placards urging a Yes or No (Thanks) vote, but it seems here in the western areas, the Yes is running strongest. Papers and TV are full of the impending decision with the Yes vote apparently just edging ahead. We may be here to witness the birth of a new nation next week.